This has to feel for good for Lorenzo Mauldin. Nobody is more deserving of the award this week, but on a personal, deeper level, this has to feel real good for the sophomore defensive end. If you’re not familiar with Mauldin’s background, do yourself a favor and read this article from ESPN, or maybe check out this video from the guys over at WDRB. During his childhood he bounced around in various foster households and group homes in Atlanta before finally realizing his potential on the football field in high school. Both of his parents and one of his brothers were incarcerated for most of his youth and he was on his own trying to become the first person in his family to attend college. And find his way he did. He originally committed to South Carolina and Steve Spurrier but failed to make the proper SAT score. After rescinding his scholarship offer, Maudlin was no longer in the Game Cocks plans and had to retake the test and look elsewhere. Enter Charlie Strong and Louisville. Mauldin would eventually retake the test and get the passing scores he needed to enroll at UofL. Though he was moved to tight end last year to help with some depth issues, he was moved back to defensive end this spring and he’s never looked back. Today, Mauldin was named the Big East defensive player of the week after recording 6 tackles (3 of those were tackles f0r loss), 2 sacks and causing a key fumble against South Florida. Louisville’s defensive line was struggling to get any pressure on the QB after the first 6 weeks of the season, but since Mauldin has taken a more primary role, he’s tallied 5.5 sacks and has gotten constant pressure on the opposing offensive lines. He’s been a complete revelation and, without question, the most important defensive player on the team these last few weeks.

Great kid, great honor and a great career ahead of him.

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Lorenzo Mauldin Named Big East Defensive Player of the Week, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating